Paris For Writers – Marsha Moore

May 13, 2010

Today, dear readers, prepare for a treat! The lovely Marsha Moore is taking the helm today, and she’s talking about the world’s most romantic city (Paris, of course!), and some of the don’t-miss spots writers must visit. Her book 24 Hours Paris is out now! It’s a look at Paris that you won’t get in most travel guides, and has received great reviews like this one: “This incredible guidebook offers an hour-by-hour roadmap for exploring the hidden wonders of this remarkable city, making it a must-have … even for people who think they know Paris. –Linda Donahue, Editor-in-chief, ParisienSalon.com”

Even if you aren’t planning your trip to Paris just yet, this book is a delight to read and will set your heart dreaming about all the wonderful things to see and do.

Thank you, Marsha, for sharing Paris with us!

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Paris For Writers – Marsha Moore
(visit marsha’s blog here)

If you’re a writer after a little libation and inspiration, where better to head than Paris? With around-the-clock cafés and bistros galore, rest assured you can keep your muse entertained for hours.

Start the day at Café de la Mairie. An old-school café with a large terrace overlooking Saint-Sulpice church, it’s a great place to stop for some caffeine and a Croque Monsieur (made with the legendary Poilâne bread). The café is said to have been Henry Miller’s favourite and it’s still popular with well-known figures today: Catherine Deneuve reputedly takes her coffee here, too (8 Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006, +33 1 43 26 67 82).

Ready to write? Head over to Cassegrain, where it won’t be a chore to put pen to paper with all the beautiful stationery supplies on offer. Open since 1919, this shop has engraved copper plates for legends like Churchill and de Gaulle, as well as providing less venerable customers with a wide selection of writing utensils and notebooks. Practise your cursive and order up some personalised stationery (422 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75008, +33 1 42 60 20 08).

No writer’s visit is complete without going to Shakespeare and Company, a bookshop (and so much more) just opposite Notre Dame. Started by bibliophile George Whitman, an American who stayed in Paris after World War II and gradually amassed a large collection of English books, the shop has now grown into a platform for new writers to showcase and develop their talents. Weekly readings, film screenings, writing workshops and theatrical performances are held on a regular basis in the cosy upstairs room. Drop in to see what’s on at this iconic writers’ sanctuary (http://shakespeareandcompany.com).

Keep the creative juices flowing and get existential at Café de Flore. A favourite of Sartre and Beauvoir, here you can sit yourself down in the same seats as the great thinkers. The Art Deco interior hasn’t changed since World War II and while the fare isn’t cheap or particularly remarkable, it’s worth a venture in to soak up the past. If you can, get a seat on the terrace and ponder the meaning of life as the world goes by (www.cafe-de-flore.com).

End the day with a drink and pick up your post at The Ritz. In keeping with tradition, writers can have their post addressed to this iconic hotel. Grab your letters, then order Hemingway’s favourite drink – a singlemalt whiskey – at the aptly-named Bar Hemingway. Whet your appetite with the 25 photos he took as inspiration for his book A Moveable Feast and savour the cocktails prepared by Colin Field, voted the world’s best bartender in 2001. Or sip a Bloody Mary, said to have been created so Hemingway’s fourth wife, Mary, wouldn’t be able to smell alcohol on his breath. Whatever your passion, there’s plenty of ways to find stimulation here (www.ritzparis.com).

24 Hours Paris (£9.99) is available from Amazon UK and Amazon worldwide, or from Prospera Publishing (now offering worldwide free postage).